Alter Markt, Central square and pedestrian area in Altstadt, Kiel, Germany.
The Alter Markt is an open square with a paved surface in the center of Kiel's old town. It is surrounded by buildings of various architectural styles that reflect the city's development from medieval times to the present day.
The square was founded in 1242 as a marketplace in front of the old town hall of medieval Kiel. Later, in 1877, underground cellars beneath the square were filled in to create additional space for market activities.
The square takes its name from the medieval marketplace and today serves as a lively meeting point for shoppers and passersby. The surrounding restaurants and cafés shape its character and invite people to linger, blending historical roots with contemporary use.
The square is a pedestrian zone and remains easily accessible on foot throughout the day, with numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes in the immediate area. The ground is level and paved, making it convenient for people with limited mobility.
Beneath the square run old cellar passages dating from medieval times, which were partially filled in during the 1877 renovation. These hidden structures tell of the city's underground history that is barely visible today.
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